Public Procurement and Property

Scot Careers Week: Graduate chat #2

November 9, 2022 by Melissa Reilly No Comments | Category Modern Apprenticeships, Procurement People of Tomorrow

It’s Scot Careers Week! We’re shining a light on early careers in procurement by hearing from our three new graduates in the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate (SPPD).

This year, our Graduate Programme offers the cohort placements across different teams in SPPD. These placements will rotate offering the graduate a variety of challenges during their 2-year journey. In addition to the work they do on the placement, they will receive personalised support on their learning and development journeys via masterclasses, mentor support and networking sessions. Read on for our second graduate chat with Joanna Wilson…

Tell us a bit about yourself…

Joanna: Before joining the SPPD as a Procurement Graduate, I studied Business Economics at Queens University in Belfast. Throughout my degree, I gained a slight knowledge of procurement and when I saw the Procurement Graduate job advertised, I felt I would be in a good position to apply. However, after joining SPPD, I discovered there is much more to procurement than I realised and there are several opportunities within a career in procurement depending on your interests, whether that be numbers, e-commerce, writing etc. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, walking and socialising with friends.

Where are you now?

Joanna: I am currently working within the SG Capability team; this is the first of three placements that I will be working in throughout the Graduate scheme. This is my third week in the team, so everything is very fresh and new. So far, I have been meeting team members, completing mandatory training, gaining access to files and software, understanding my objectives and deliverables and assisting team members with their tasks such as checking Delegated Purchasing Officer (DPO) information is up-to-date and accurate.

What do you like best about your role?

Joanna: My favourite thing about my role has been meeting my team. From my first day, everyone has been extremely welcoming and helpful. I have had one-to-one meetings with all my team members to get to know each other and gain some insight into their specific roles within the team. Moreover, they constantly check-up on me throughout the week and if I ever have any questions, they are more than helpful in answering them.

What are you going to be working on whilst in SPPD?

Joanna: I will be working on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS). One of my first tasks within the SG Capability team will involve Hidden Contracts on PCS and liaising with buyers to ensure that contracts that are supposed to be hidden are, and those that are not, will be published.

So-what next?

Joanna: I hope to continue learning and developing my skills and knowledge through the three different placements within the Scottish Government. I am at the very beginning of my career in procurement, and I still have a lot to learn and many more people to meet and networks to develop.

Are you interested in a career in procurement? Find out more through the Procurement People of Tomorrow (PPoT)

Also, note these important dates and information:

• Check out the updated Procurement Manager career profile on My World of Work
• 26 November 2022 – Campus Open Day at City of Glasgow College (Find out more about for HND Managing Supply Chain Operations)
• 23 January 2023 – UCAS deadline (To apply for BA (Hons) International Supply Chain management at Glasgow Caledonian University)
• Find out more about a Modern Apprenticeship in Procurement

For further information on public procurement in Scotland please visit www.gov.scot/procurement

Please email enquiries to scottishprocurement@gov.scot

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Tags: Graduate, graduate programme, Procurement People of Tomorrow, scot careers week

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